Burns named to national committee

ATLANTA — State Rep. Jon Burns (R-Newington) was recently appointed to serve on the National Conference of State Legislatures Energy, Transportation and Agriculture Committee by House Speaker David Ralston (R-Blue Ridge).

“I appreciate the Speaker allowing me to serve on this committee,” Burns said. “Our work can have a direct impact on issues affecting the people of Southeast Georgia.”

The Energy, Transportation and Agriculture Committee is one of NCSL’s 12 standing committees. These standing committees represent state interests in Washington, D.C., and in facilitating policy innovation among the state and territorial legislatures. The committees also provide a unique forum for the discussion of major issues facing the states, which allows legislators to learn from the experiences of other states.

According to NCSL, its Energy, Transportation and Agriculture Committee consists of state legislators and legislative staff from the nation’s legislatures. The committee convenes three times a year in conjunction with NCSL’s national meeting. This committee has jurisdiction over state-federal energy and electric utilities legislation, regulation and policies; transportation legislation, regulations and policies; and agriculture and rural development legislation, regulations and policies.

The Energy, Transportation and Agriculture Committee is charged with reviewing and developing NCSL policy positions on state-federal concerns regarding these issues. These policy positions are then used to lobby Congress and the federal administration. The committee also provides a forum for legislators and staff to share ideas and expertise on an array of energy, transportation and agriculture issues.

The appointment is for a two-year term concurrent with Rep. Burns’ service as a member of the Georgia House of Representatives.